By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has approved the construction of six new fire fighting stations of global standard in some towns at a cost of N1 billion.
The new fire stations were being constructed to mitigate the effect of fire outbreak in metropolitan towns in Niger State.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Mr Abdulmalik Usman Cheche, announced the approval during his inspection of the Bida Fire Station which is under construction.
The new stations would replace the old ones, some of which were built before the state was created in 1976.
He said that the new stations would be located in Minna, the state capital, Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and Mokwa, while Lapai, Agaie, New Bussa, Kuta and Kagara would be constructed in the second phase of the project.
Mr Cheche said that aside the structures, which would have all the modern facilities, the state government has procured 13 fire fighting engines to be deployed to all the stations.
“The challenges of our fast growing towns and cities and the poor condition of our fire fighting stations across the state to tackle any fire outbreak informed the decision to construct the new stations.
They would be equipped with modern fire fighting gadgets to face the increasing challenges of urbanization in our cities and town.
“Under the first phase, Minna will have two stations while other cities will have one each. Another station is been planned for Suleja along with other towns in the second phase in view of its expansion.
“Each of these standard stations, built at the cost of N190 million will have a water dump, industrial borehole, fire fighting engine, a back-up water tanker and other fire fighting accessories needed for modern day fire fighting service,” the Commissioner stated.
He then expressed satisfaction on the level of work done in all the ongoing project. The Commissioner was optimistic that the new stations will be ready for use in the early part of next year.
The Commissioner had earlier inspected the site for the construction of Agaie Fire Station while he directed the Chairman of Lapai Local Government, Hon. Usman Mohammed to provide land for the construction of Lapai township fire station, which comes under the second phase.
